Editing Zerg history

{{StarCraft storyline}}
The '''history of the [[zerg]]''' spans millennia.<ref>'''[[Overmind]]:''' "Though I have born witness to the passing of countless millennia, the [[Xel'naga temple|temple]] which [[Cerebrate (Episode II)|you]] must assault is older by far." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Full Circle]] (in [[English]]). 1998.</ref>

==The Rise of the Swarm==
===Creation===
The zerg were native to [[Zerus]], a hostile ash world near the core of the [[Milky Way]]<ref name="SC1Man">Underwood, Peter, [[Bill Roper]], [[Chris Metzen]] and Jeffrey Vaughn. ''StarCraft (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: [[Blizzard Entertainment]], 1998.</ref> and one of the many worlds seeded with life by the [[xel'naga]].<ref name="SC2:LotV:TheInfiniteCycle">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Legacy of the Void]]'', [[The Infinite Cycle (mission)|The Infinite Cycle]]. (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> They arose from the catalytic fluids of the [[first spawning pool]] on Zerus. Inside the pool, a single "[[essence]]" (genetic information) split into many lifeforms. These proto-zerg competed within; those that ate their counterparts evolved and became the first zerg.<ref name="SC2:HotS_Cruicible">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. ([[Activision Blizzard]]). PC. Mission: ''[[Heart of the Swarm]]'', [[The Crucible]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> This practice of evolution by consumption, and the principle of survival of the strongest, became fundamental to the zerg.<ref name="SC2:HotS_Supreme">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Heart of the Swarm]]'', [[Supreme]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

Eventually, [[Amon]] and his renegade [[xel'naga]] came to Zerus and discovered the zerg. At this point, the zerg were still miniature worm-like insectoids (similar to [[larvae]]) and seemingly the most insignificant lifeforms on the planet. However, their genetic versatility and [[psionic powers|psionic]] sensitivity caught the xel'naga's attention.<ref name="SC1Man" /> Amon took particular interest in the zerg's ability to steal essence,<ref name="SC2:HotS_WakeAncientDialogue" /> as he sought to manipulate the creations of his brethren in order to create an army that could end the xel'naga's [[Infinite Cycle]].<ref name="SC2:LotV:TheInfiniteCycle"/> The Infinite Cycle merged two species, one with the [[purity of form]] and the other with the [[purity of essence]], and would guide them to the xel'naga so they could impart their essence and give rise to a new generation of xel'naga who would continue the cycle.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3">Golden, Christie (June 30, 2009). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Twilight|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #3: Twilight]]''. [[Simon & Schuster]] (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7129-9.</ref> Amon and his followers viewed this cycle as flawed and desired to create a single master race that would end the cycle by exterminating all other life in the universe.<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryRohana">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Rohana]] (in English). 2015.</ref> Having previously imparted the purity of form on the [[protoss]] on [[Aiur]], Amon saw the zerg as ideal candidates for the purity of essence.

From their orbiting [[worldship]]s, the xel'naga spurred the zerg's evolution through proto-genetic manipulation. The zerg survived and thrived; they evolved into parasites, burrowing into more resilient creatures, feeding on nutrient-rich spinal fluids, and finally gained control of their hosts. Zerg biochemistry evolved by assimilating genetic information from host species. The zerg used their new bodies to manipulate their environment. Only the most evolutionarily advanced species were made hosts and assimilated; lesser species were eradicated. The zerg ensured they remained the dominant species at all times. The zerg steered the evolution of assimilated species, mutating them to have armor-piercing spines, razor-sharp limbs, and ultra dense carapaces. The xel'naga were shocked by the rate of mutation; within a few generations the first assimilated species were unrecognizable. The diverse zerg strains became a unified species.<ref name="SC1Man"/>

===The Hive Mind===
[[File:Overmind SCR HeadAnim.gif|thumb|The [[Overmind]]]]
The zerg were united in their drive to evolve, but were still individuals.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryZurvan">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Zurvan]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_WakeAncientDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Zerus Missions#Waking the Ancient|Waking the Ancient]]. (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> Amon's xel'naga remembered that personal pride and ego had sundered the protoss' collective consciousness, leading to the [[Aeon of Strife]] and their estrangement from the xel'naga. To avoid similar chaos, the xel'naga created the [[Overmind]] to regulate the dangers of differing egos. The foundations of the Swarm were set.

The Overmind started as a semi-sentient representation of the zerg's basic instincts and evolutionary drive, but evolved into a sentient intelligence. The Overmind created the [[cerebrate]]s, giant versions of the zerg larva, to help it control the Swarm. Each cerebrate was given a specific task and control of a [[brood]]. As the Swarm expanded with new species, the cerebrates turned to {{link|queen|SC1}}s and [[Overlord (StarCraft)|overlords]] to help manage their broods.<ref name="SC1Man"/> Although the Overmind possessed intelligence, it did not have free will. Instead, Amon gave the Overmind an overriding directive to seek the assimilation of the protoss, thus creating the perfect species that would end the Infinite Cycle.<ref name="WoL_EchoesFuture"/>

Some zerg hid and were strong-minded enough to escape subordination to the Overmind and, ultimately, Amon.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryZurvan" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_WakeAncientDialogue"/> They became the [[primal zerg]], and continued to live as the zerg had before the formation of the Swarm. The primal zerg regarded the Swarm zerg as "corrupt".<ref name="SC2:HotS_WakeAncient">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Waking the Ancient]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

===Spread to the Stars===
Zerg evolution eventually approached the limits of Zerus' biodiversity. The Overmind realized the Swarm had to leave the planet and seek new life to assimilate. Extending its senses into space, it detected enormous space-faring organisms and lured them to Zerus with its psionic abilities.<ref name="SC1Man"/> The organisms were assimilated into the Swarm as [[behemoth]]s<ref name="SC:ShadXel">Mesta, Gabriel (July 1, 2001). ''[[StarCraft: Shadow of the Xel'Naga]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 0-671-04149-5.</ref> and the Swarm's strains soon evolved to survive in space. This milestone was seen by the xel'naga as proof that the zerg experiment was a success.

During this time, Amon and his xel'naga were discovered by the xel'naga who were resting in [[Ulnar]]. The two factions came into [[War Among the Gods|conflict]] in the space over Zerus, with the Ulnar xel'naga seeking to end Amon's manipulations. The war ultimately culminated in Amon unleashing the Swarm upon his own kind.<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryRohana" /> The Overmind became aware of the xel'naga [[worldship]]s orbiting Zerus. It severed its psionic link with the xel'naga, rendering its creators blind to its actions, and - as Amon intended - launched the Swarm into orbit against the unsuspecting worldships. Relentless zerg attacks overwhelmed the defenders within hours. The zerg laid waste to the xel'naga fleets and consumed most of the xel'naga, along with their knowledge. The Overmind processed thousands of sentient minds to grow even more powerful, and incorporated the energies of the [[khaydarin crystal]]s into itself. Its creators' knowledge of evolution and proto-genetic physiology was used to improve the sentience of many strains without losing control.<ref name="SC1Man" /> In spite of this, some of the xel'naga escaped the culling of the zerg, and banished Amon and his followers into the Void.<ref name="SC2-LotV_StoryRohana" />

Of importance to the coming interstellar journey was the xel'naga's knowledge of other species they had influenced. From this knowledge the Overmind learned of the [[protoss]] and the general location of their homeworld, [[Aiur]], in the galactic fringe.<ref name="SC1Man" /> In spite of Amon's banishment into the Void, the Overmind carried out the directive for which the Swarm was designed; perfection through the assimilation of the protoss.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryZurvan" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_CrucibleDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Zerus Missions#Crucible|The Crucible]]. (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> Although the Overmind understood that Amon's ultimate goal would destroy the zerg, it was incapable of disobeying its directive.<ref name="WoL_EchoesFuture">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[Echoes of the Future]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref>With Amon and the Swarm gone, the primal zerg reclaimed Zerus.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryZurvan" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_WakeAncientDialogue" />

===Journey to the Koprulu Sector===
The zerg of the Swarm had their evolution directed to be very different from their primal forefathers. The Swarm zerg took on more skeletal physiques, bearing components essential only for combat.<ref>2013, [http://phillgonzo.deviantart.com/art/HotS-Zurvan-358871141?offset=10#comments HotS Zurvan]. ''Deviantart'', accessed on 2013-12-25</ref>

The Swarm grew larger and stronger during its interstellar journey. Deep-space probes located new species, of which the strongest were assimilated to give rise to new strains. Despite these improvements, the Swarm still lacked a true answer to the psionic powers of the protoss.<ref name="SC1Man"/> Prior to [[2439]], the zerg spent "an age" swarming the fringes of the galaxy. Likewise, not long prior to the [[Great War]], the Overmind came to increasingly rely on its cerebrates to direct the Swarm, which became more distinct in the Swarm's chain of command.<ref>[https://starcraft.com/en-us/ StarCraft Remastered], ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed on 2017-03-31</ref>

==The Great War==
{{Main|Great War}}
[[File:Zerg SC-BW Art1.jpg|thumb|The zerg invasion]]
The answer to countering the protoss's psionic might came as zerg probes discovered the [[terran]]s of the [[Koprulu sector]].<ref name="SC1Man" /> The terrans, a species with "primitive structures" and "poor biological adaptability",<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryAbathur">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Abathur]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_FireSkyDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Char Missions#Fire in the Sky|Fire in the Sky]]. (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> would have been below the Swarm's notice if not for their strong psionic potential. The Swarm set course for the Koprulu sector in [[2439]].

Zerg deep-space [[Probe (zerg)|probes]] on their way to the Koprulu sector were recovered on the edge of protoss space by the [[Koprulu Expeditionary Force]] under [[Executor]] [[Tassadar]]. The probes responded quickly and naturally to the khaydarin crystal used to scan them, a clear sign of xel'naga engineering. A hostile race engineered by the xel'naga was a clear threat. The protoss stepped up patrols for signs of the Swarm, and sent Tassadar's force to the Koprulu sector to counter the invaders. Infestation was already in progress when they arrived.<ref name="SC1Man" />

===The Invasion of the Koprulu sector===
{{Main|StarCraft Episode I}}
The Swarm immediately infested some [[Fringe Worlds]] upon arriving in the Sector.<ref name="SC:Upr">Neilson, Micky (December 18, 2000). ''[[StarCraft: Uprising]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0743-41898-0 (eBook).</ref> Penetrating deeper, they arrived in the [[Sara system]]. The infestation of [[Chau Sara]] was subtlely spearheaded by hive [[spore]]s, followed by the bulk of the zerg force to complete the process.<ref name="SC1Man" /> The [[Terran Confederacy]] sought to keep the zerg a secret from its own citizens,<ref name="SC:Pre_M5">''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[StarCraft: Precursor|Precursor]] bonus campaign, mission 5: "[[StarCraft: Precursor#Extermination|Extermination]]" (in English). 1998-09-03. [http://classic.battle.net/scc/OS/precursor.shtml Map Archives: Precursor Campaign].</ref> while using the zerg as a tool to secure its power.<ref name="SC1_E1_M7">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Trump Card]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Confederate manipulation ultimately failed. Ironically, the anti-Confederate group the [[Sons of Korhal]] would succeed in using the zerg to [[Fall of Tarsonis|destroy the Confederacy]].<ref name="SC1_E1_M9">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[New Gettysburg (mission)|New Gettysburg]] (in English). 1998.</ref>
[[File:Hydralisk SC2 Art3.png|thumb|The [[zerg]] on [[Chau Sara]]]]
The Swarm's invasion inexorably made its way to [[Tarsonis]], the capital of the Confederacy. The uses of the [[psi-emitter]]s by the Sons of Korhal at [[Mar Sara]],<ref name="SC:SpDark">Hickman, Tracy (May 21, 2002). ''[[StarCraft: Speed of Darkness]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0671-04150-2.</ref> [[Antiga Prime]],<ref name="SC1_E1_M7" /> and finally Tarsonis<ref>'''[[Edmund Duke]]:''' "This is Duke. The Emitters are secured and on-line."<br>'''[[Sarah Kerrigan]]:''' "Who authorized the use of [[Psi Emitter]]s?"<br>'''[[Arcturus Mengsk]]:''' "I did, Lieutenant."<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "What? The [[Terran Confederacy|Confederates]] on [[Antiga Prime|Antiga]] were bad enough, but now you're going to use the [[Zerg]] against [[Tarsonis|an entire planet]]? This is insane."<br>'''[[Jim Raynor]]:''' "She's right, man. Think this through."<br>'''Mengsk:''' "I have thought it through, believe me. You all have your orders. Carry them out." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Big Push]] (in English). 1998.</ref> influenced the path of the invasion. The Koprulu Expeditionary Force followed close behind, [[Purification|purifying]] infested worlds as the terrans abandoned them.<ref name="SC1_E1_M7" /><ref name="SC1_E1_M4">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Jacobs Installation (mission)|The Jacobs Installation]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The Overmind ordered the Swarm not to resist the protoss, so that it could observe the protoss in action.<ref name="SC1Man" />
[[File:BattleOfTarsonis SC2 Art1.jpg|thumb|left|The [[fall of Tarsonis]]]]
At Tarsonis, the [[Sons of Korhal]] fought the protoss to allow the Swarm to complete the destruction of the Confederacy. [[Arcturus Mengsk]] unwittingly aided the Swarm by abandoning Lieutenant [[Sarah Kerrigan]], allowing the Swarm to capture her and achieve its objective.<ref name="SC1_E1_M9" /><ref name="SC1_E2_M4">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Agent of the Swarm]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The Overmind hoped that as a human-zerg hybrid, Kerrigan would free the Swarm from [[Amon]]'s malignant influence.<ref name="WoL_EchoesFuture" /> The Swarm placed Kerrigan in a [[chrysalis]] and withdrew the bulk of its forces to [[Char]],<ref name="SC1_E2_M2">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Egression]] (in English). 1998.</ref> now the Swarm's primary hive world in the sector.<ref name="KSSChar">Blizzard Entertainment. 2010-07-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/planet/char Koprulu Sector Systems: Char]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2010-07-24.</ref> In its wake the [[Terran Dominion]] rose to replace the Confederacy.<ref name="SC:_Inauguration">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode I#The Inauguration|The Inauguration]]. (in English). 1998.</ref> There was also a growing rift between Executor Tassadar and the [[Conclave]] over the former's unwillingness to deal decisively with the zerg in order to spare terrans;<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3"/><ref name="SC1_E3_M1">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[First Strike (Episode III)|First Strike]] (in English). 1998.</ref> the Conclave would eventually consider the insubordinate Tassadar a more immediate threat than the zerg, hampering the Protoss Empire's response to the zerg [[Fall of Aiur|invasion of Aiur]].<ref name="SC1_E3_M4">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Hunt for Tassadar]] (in English). 1998.</ref><ref name="SC1_E3_M7">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Homeland]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

===The Defense of Char===
{{Main|StarCraft Episode II}}
[[File:InfestedKerrigan SC2 Art3.jpg|thumb|The [[Sarah Kerrigan|Queen of Blades]]]]
Inside the chrysalis, a maturating Kerrigan's psionic emanations drew terrans and protoss to Char.<ref name="SC1_E2_M4">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Agent of the Swarm]] (in English). 1998.</ref><ref name="SC1_E3_M2">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Into the Flames]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Kerrigan emerged from the chrysalis as the [[Sarah Kerrigan|Queen of Blades]] and immediately joined the fighting.<ref name="SC1_E2_M4" /> Kerrigan retained a strength of will and independence uncommon within the Swarm; this was to the Overmind's design.<ref>'''[[Zasz]]:''' "Though you be the favored servant of the Overmind, you would do well to remember that you are just a servant. You know of our grand mission, Kerrigan. Would you put your personal whims before the will of the Overmind?"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "Do not cross me, Zasz. I will do as I see fit, and not you or any other [[Cerebrate]] shall stand in my way."<br>'''Overmind:''' "Let her go, Zasz. The greatness of her spirit has been left to her; that the Swarms might benefit from her fierce example. Fear not her designs, for she is bound to me as intimately as any Cerebrate. Truly, no Zerg can stray from my will, for all that you are lies wholly within me. Kerrigan is free to do as she desires." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Amerigo (mission)|The Amerigo]] (in English). 1998.</ref> With expeditions from the [[Terran Dominion]]<ref name="SC1_E2_M3">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The New Dominion]] (in English). 1998.</ref> and [[Raynor's Raiders]] repelled,<ref name="SC1_E2_M4" /> Kerrigan boarded a terran [[Amerigo|science vessel]] and obtained Dominion [[Ghost Program]] files to break her psionic conditioning.<ref name="SC1_E2_M5">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Amerigo (mission)|The Amerigo]] (in English). 1998.</ref> With her powers unfettered she detected Tassadar and the remnants of the Koprulu Expeditionary Force on Char,<ref name="SC1_E2_M6">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Dark Templar (mission)|The Dark Templar]] (in English). 1998.</ref> but not his [[Dark Templar]] allies led by Dark [[Prelate]] [[Zeratul]]. While Tassadar distracted her, Zeratul struck and permanently slew [[Zasz]]; the [[Garm Brood]] ran amok without its leader and was purged. The death of Zasz left the Overmind temporarily unable to communicate.<ref name="SC1_E2_M7">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Culling]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

The protoss were undone by their victory. A brief psionic link formed between Zeratul and the Overmind at the moment of Zasz's death, and each read the other's mind. The Overmind learned the secret location of [[Aiur]].<ref>'''Overmind:''' "Yet shall their overweening pride be their downfall. For when the assassin [[Zeratul]] murdered Zasz, his mind touched with mine, and all his secrets were made known to me. I have taken from his mind the secret location of [[Aiur]], the [[Protoss]] Homeworld." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Eye for an Eye]] (in English). 1998.</ref>
[[File:KerriganOvermind SCR Game1.png|thumb|190x190px|Kerrigan serving the Overmind]]

Kerrigan remained on Char to continue her punitive campaign against the protoss even as the Swarm departed to invade Aiur.<ref name="SC1_E2_M8">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Eye for an Eye]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The protoss suffered heavy casualties but Tassadar and Zeratul survived and proved frustratingly elusive.<ref name="SC1_E2_M9">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Invasion of Aiur]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The protoss were joined by [[Jim Raynor]] and survivors of the Raiders who could not escape Char. This unlikely alliance exploited Kerrigan's impatience to kill another {{link|cerebrate|Episode II}}.<ref name="SC:QnBlades">Rosenberg, Aaron (May 23, 2006). ''[[StarCraft: Queen of Blades]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7133-6.</ref> Eventually, Tassadar and Raynor were trapped on [[Char Aleph]]<ref name="SC1_E3_M4" /> and Zeratul was trapped in an abandoned [[terran]] installation on the surface. They would all be rescued by Executor [[Artanis]].<ref name="SC1_E3_M6">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Into the Darkness]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

===The Invasion of Aiur===
[[File:Zerg SC1 Art1.jpg|thumb|The invasion of [[Aiur]]]]
{{main|StarCraft Episode III}}
{{main|Fall of Aiur}}
In the initial stage of the invasion, the Overmind made landfall on the same spot the xel'naga had first landed on Aiur.<ref name="SC1_E2_M10">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Full Circle]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The [[Conclave]] appointed Artanis as the new executor; Artanis achieved tactical victories.<ref name="SC1_E3_M1" /> From Char, Tassadar advised the protoss to cripple the invaders by killing cerebrates,<ref name="SC1_E3_M2" /> but this proved ineffective as the protoss [[Khalai|of Aiur]] did not wield the powers of the [[Void]].<ref>'''[[Fenix]]:''' "[[Executor]], I bring news most dire. The Cerebrate that we thought we had killed has arisen again. The creature's battered form was reincarnated, despite the considerable damage we inflicted upon it. Even now, the Cerebrate drives its [[Brood]] in preparation for their next offensive." ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Higher Ground]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Even as the invasion worsened, the Conclave dispatched Artanis and a fleet to Char to arrest Tassadar.<ref name="SC1_E3_M4" /> To the Conclave's chagrin, Artanis returned allied with Tassadar, Zeratul, and Raynor.<ref name="SC1_E3_M7">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Homeland]] (in English). 1998.</ref><ref name="SC1_E3_M8">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Trial of Tassadar]] (in English). 1998.</ref>
[[File:Overmind SC2 Art1.jpg|thumb|The death of the Overmind]]
The brief protoss [[Protoss Civil War (Episode III)|civil war]] finally united the protoss camp; the Conclave tactfully joined a united front against the zerg.<ref>'''[[Aldaris]]:''' "Executor. Tassadar. This comes too late to you. But the [[Conclave]] has witnessed your defeat of the Cerebrate. They know now that they cannot deny the necessity or the valiancy of your actions. We sought to punish you, while it was we who were in error. You represent what is greatest in us all, and all our hopes go with you. EN TARO [[Adun|ADUN]], brave Sons of Aiur!" ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Eye of the Storm]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The Nerazim killed cerebrates defending the Overmind,<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Shadow Hunters (mission)|Shadow Hunters]] (in English). 1998.</ref> opening the way for a strike on the Overmind.<ref name="SC1_E3_M10">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Eye of the Storm]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Tassadar drew upon the Void and sacrificed himself to destroy the Overmind.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode III#The Death of the Overmind|The Death of the Overmind]]. (in English). 1998.</ref> 

It was a hollow victory. The Swarm was thrown into disarray; the zerg on Aiur rampaged and caused even more destruction.<ref name="SC:BW_Man">Underwood, Peter, Chris Metzen and Bill Roper. ''StarCraft: Brood War (Manual)''. Irvine, Calif.: Blizzard Entertainment, 1998.</ref> The protoss were forced to abandon the planet for [[Shakuras]], the homeworld of the Nerazim.<ref name="SC:BW_E4_M1">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Escape from Aiur]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

==The Brood War==
{{main|Brood War (conflict)}}
[[File:Daggoth SCR HeadAnim.gif|thumb|[[Daggoth]]]]
The death of the Overmind plunged the Swarm into civil war.<ref name="BWBGRules">Fantasy Flight Games staff. 2009-01-06. [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/StarCraft/sc_bw_rules.pdf Fantasy Flight Games (StarCraft - Support) (Brood War rules PDF)]. ''Fantasy Flight Games''. Accessed 2013-03-14.</ref> [[Daggoth]] led other cerebrates into merging to form a [[second Overmind|new Overmind]] on Char; in the meantime they controlled [[Daggoth's Renegade Swarm|most of the broods]].<ref>'''Kerrigan:''' "Apparently, many of the renegade Cerebrates, commanded by [[Daggoth]], have merged into a new [[Second Overmind|Overmind]]. Fortunately, the creature is still in its infant stages. It can't control the Swarm yet, but Daggoth and the others still have control over most of the Broods." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Quest for Uraj]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Kerrigan and most of the remaining broods opposed them.<ref name="A27">[http://www.blizzard.com/broodwar/heroes/kerr.shtml Kerrigan: Queen of Blades]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2007-10-13.</ref> Kerrigan sought to destroy the new Overmind, before it could mature and gain control over the entire Swarm and her,<ref>'''Kerrigan:''' "Look, I don't need to tell you all what might happen if that thing reaches maturity. I can guarantee you that should it awaken, it'll take full control of me just like it did before. I don't want that to happen, and I'm pretty sure you don't want it to happen either." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Quest for Uraj]] (in English). 1998.</ref> and take control of the Swarm.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M9">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Reckoning]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

Before the Brood War started, Kerrigan dispatched the [[Kulkulkan Brood]] to [[Bhekar Ro]] to [[Battle of Bhekar Ro|secure]] a xel'naga temple. The attempt ended in disaster but the release of the [[energy creature]]<ref name="SC:ShadXel"/> was a sign of events in motion that would culminate a few years later.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" />

===Desperate Alliances===
{{main|StarCraft Episode IV}}
Kerrigan acquired, and manipulated, the needed allies on Shakuras. Before approaching the protoss, she psionically dominated [[Matriarch]] [[Raszagal]] of the Nerazim.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M9" /> Kerrigan was aided by the immediate threat Daggoth's Swarm posed to Shakuras. Some of Daggoth's zerg followed the protoss evacuation of Aiur to Shakuras;<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Dunes of Shakuras]] (in English). 1998.</ref> the protoss killed two cerebrates nesting near the [[xel'naga temple]].<ref name="SC:BW_E4_M3">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Legacy of the Xel'Naga]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Kerrigan's offer to aid the protoss to activate the temple and secure Shakuras in return for aid against the new Overmind was accepted with Raszagal's support. Recovering the [[Khalis]] took Kerrigan and the protoss to [[Char]] and into combat against Daggoth's Swarm.<ref name="SC:BW_E4_M6">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Return to Char]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

Aldaris discovered Kerrigan's influence over Raszagal and led a [[Khalai]] revolt on Shakuras. Raszagal ordered Zeratul and Artanis to put down the revolt and kill Aldaris.<ref>'''[[Raszagal]]:''' "Congratulations, [[Executor (Episode IV)|Executor]]. Your success has brought us the promise of hope against the Zerg. However, we face a new threat within our own ranks. In your absence, [[Judicator Caste|Judicator]] Aldaris and an entire legion of [[Khalai]] survivors from Aiur have begun an open revolt against us."<br>'''Zeratul:''' "By the gods, this is ill news indeed! Why would Aldaris betray us so?"<br>'''Raszagal:''' "He and his ilk believe that it was wrong to have abandoned Aiur and consorted with [[Nerazim|our people]]. Their prejudices have driven them to perpetuate the Conclave's sins against us! Even now, Aldaris and his [[Khalai Insurgents|loyalist templar forces]] are preparing to attack our Citadel."<br>'''[[Artanis]]:''' "I can scarcely believe this. As if the Zerg were not enough! [[Matriarch]], are you certain of this?"<br>'''Raszagal:''' "All too certain, young templar. Executor, as Matriarch of the Dark Templar and custodian of [[Shakuras|this world]], I hereby order you to terminate Judicator Aldaris, and quell this untimely uprising without delay! There will be no dissent among us while the Zerg are poised to strike!" ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Insurgent]] (in English). 1998.</ref> However, instead the prelate and executor offered reconciliation in exchange for Aldaris' renewed cooperation. The judicator refused and was killed by Kerrigan before he could reveal her deception. The protoss were outraged by Kerrigan's interference; the alliance was broken but she left the planet having ensured the deaths of two enemy cerebrates.<ref>'''Aldaris:''' "You can no longer afford to be so naive, Artanis. While you were securing the crystals, I discovered that your Matriarch has been harboring a dark secret! She has been manipulated by de-"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "We have no time for this!"<br>'''Zeratul:''' "Kerrigan... What have you done?"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "I just cleaned up your mess, Protoss. Don't be so squeamish."<br>'''Zeratul:''' "Wretched creature! This was a Protoss matter; you had no right to interfere! Begone from this world! You are no longer welcome among us!"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "Fine. I've done what I came here to do. I've insured the destruction of the renegade Cerebrates, and I used you to do it. Have fun, mighty Protoss... We'll be seeing each other again, real soon..." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[The Insurgent]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The protoss subsequently activated the Shakuras temple<ref name="SC:BW_E4_M8">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Countdown]] (in English). 1998.</ref> and scoured the zerg from the planet.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode IV#Fury of the Xel'Naga|Fury of the Xel'Naga]] (in English). 1998.</ref>
{{Main|StarCraft Episode V}}
The zerg civil war was complicated by the arrival of the [[United Earth Directorate]] [[UED Expeditionary Fleet|Expeditionary Fleet]] with orders to take control of the Overmind and take control of the Koprulu sector.<ref name="SC:BW_Man" /> Even as the Terran Dominion fell to the UED, Kerrigan was preparing to remove the new invaders. She used [[Jim Raynor]]'s conflicted feelings for her to gain the cooperation of [[Raynor's Raiders]]; in turn, Raynor secured aid from the protoss of Shakuras for her.<ref name="SSF4">Blizzard Entertainment Staff. 2010-07-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/story-so-far/4 The Story So Far: The Brood War]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2010-07-24.</ref> The Raiders and [[Fenix]] helped [[Emperor of the Terran Dominion|Emperor]] [[Arcturus Mengsk]] evade capture by the UED<ref name="SC:BW_E5_M5">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Emperor's Fall]] (in English). 1998.</ref><ref name="SC:BW_E6_M2">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Reign of Fire]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Like with her prior protoss allies, she used the threat of a greater enemy to gain cooperation.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M1">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Vile Disruption]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

For a time, Kerrigan was aided by an agent in the UED. [[Samir Duran]] was an entity secretly allied with [[Amon]], but assumed constructed identities<ref name="SC:BW_Bonus">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Dark Origin]] (in English). 1998.</ref> to enter the confidence of Kerrigan and UED. Duran joined the UED disguised as a terran anti-Dominion rebel,<ref>'''[[Samir Duran]]:''' "[[Captain (Episode V)|Captain]], I am Lieutenant Samir Duran of the [[Confederate Resistance Forces]]. I've been monitoring your attack against the [[Terran Dominion|Dominion]], and I'd like to offer you my services and skills in return for amnesty."<br>'''[[Alexei Stukov]]:''' "Intriguing. Lieutenant, you have absolutely no idea as to who we are or what we have come here to do. Why do you wish to side with us?"<br>'''Duran:''' "Because my men and I have sworn to fight against the Dominion and its Emperor. Seeing as how your forces have been laying into [[Boralis|this Dominion base]], I figured we were on the same side."<br>'''Stukov:''' "I see. How exactly do you propose to be of service to us, Lieutenant?"<br>'''Duran:''' "Well, I possess intimate knowledge of the surrounding area. I can show you an alternate route that leads to the rear of the main Dominion base."<br>'''Stukov:''' "Very well, Lieutenant. Consider yourself and your men the first colonial conscripts of the [[United Earth Directorate]]. Captain, see that the Lieutenant is given our full cooperation. We shall see if he's worth the effort." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[First Strike (Terran)|First Strike]] (in English). 1998.</ref> actually working for Kerrigan<ref name="SC:BW_E5_M8">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[To Chain the Beast]] (in English). 1998.</ref> to sabotage the UED. Duran played a key role in Mengsk's escape.<ref name="SC:BW_E5_M6">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Emperor's Flight]] (in English). 1998.</ref> However, he was exposed in a failed attempt to destroy the original [[psi disrupter]] on [[Braxis]]; before fleeing the UED he mortally wounding Vice Admiral [[Alexei Stukov]].<ref>'''Duran:''' "Vice Admiral Stukov, I am here under orders to terminate your command."<br>'''Stukov:''' "Lieutenant Duran. I'm not surprised. We both know exactly what it is that you're here to terminate. Get on with it."<br>'''Duran:''' "Say goodnight, Stukov."<br>'''Stukov:''' "To hell with y- !"<br>'''[[Gerard DuGalle]]:''' "Lieutenant Duran, report your situation immediately!"<br>'''Stukov:''' "Gerard... old friend. You do indeed have a traitor in your midst... but it's not me. Duran. He has been playing us both from the start... He convinced you to destroy the [[Psi Disrupter]]... even though it was our best chance at defeating the Zerg. And then, on Aiur, ...he allowed the Zerg to overrun us even as we had the fugitives in our grasp. I came here... to activate the one hope we have of defeating them... And you killed me for it. Heh, heh... Duran is your enemy Gerard. I suspect... that he may even be infested as well... Use the Disrupter, Gerard... Finish our operation... Let my death have at least some meaning."<br>'''DuGalle:''' "Alexei! No! What have I done? What have I done? Computer, where the hell is Lieutenant Duran?"<br>'''[[Adjutant]]:''' "The Lieutenant no longer registers on my sensors, Admiral. He appears to have vanished."<br>'''DuGalle:''' "No." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Patriot's Blood]] (in English). 1998.</ref> After that, Duran was known by the [[infested terran]] layer of his disguise.<ref name="SC:BW_E5_M8" />
[[File:UEDSlaveBrood SCR Game1.png|thumb|The [[UED Slave Broods]]]]
The intact psi disrupter proved vital to the UED. It disrupted zerg control throughout the sector,<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M1" /><ref name="SC:BW_E5_M8" /> allowing the UED to attack Char and capture the Overmind.<ref name="SC:BW_E5_M8" /> This gave the UED control over [[UED Slave Broods|several broods]].<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M4">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Liberation of Korhal]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Their tenuous hold over the Overmind limited the distance that broods could be controlled through remote means alone.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M6">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Fury of the Swarm]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

===Kerrigan Ascendent===
{{Main|StarCraft Episode VI}}
The psi disruptor gave the UED a significant advantage. It granted it control over broods, disrupted Kerrigan's control over her broods, and prevented her from controlling broods not yet claimed by either side. Kerrigan had planned for this when she had Mengsk rescued.<ref name="SSF4" /> Mengsk agreed to loan psi-emitters in exchange for the return of Korhal to the Dominion. Kerrigan used the emitters to gain control of [[feral zerg]] on Braxis, which she used to destroy the psi disrupter.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M2" /> After a build-up<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M3">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Kel-Morian Combine (mission)|The Kel-Morian Combine]] (in English). 1998.</ref> the allies moved on Korhal. The defenses, reinforced by UED zerg, were broken. Korhal was restored to the Dominion,<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M4">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[The Liberation of Korhal]] (in English). 1998.</ref> and the UED lost their primary staging point in the sector. With Char the only remaining UED stronghold, Kerrigan no longer needed her allies. Before leaving Korhal, she struck heavy blows against the Dominion and protoss, killing General [[Edmund Duke]] and Fenix.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M5">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[True Colors]] (in English). 1998.</ref>

The UED used zerg to attack Kerrigan on Tarsonis, but the attack failed due to brittle control.<ref>'''Duran:''' "My Queen, we have located a small [[Terran]] facility towards the rear of the [[Daggoth's Renegade Swarm|Renegades]]' landing zone. There appears to be a number of UED [[scientist]]s working within the compound, but we are unable to determine the purpose of their presence..."<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "I know what they're up to. I suspected that the UED's control of the Overmind was tenuous. Tarsonis is too remote for them to maintain direct control over the Swarms, so they've sent these 'scientists' to coordinate their attack."<br>'''Duran:''' "[[Cerebrate (Episode VI)|Cerebrate]], focus your attacks against the Terran facility. All of the UED scientists must be killed. Only then will we be able to finish off these Renegade Zerg." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[Fury of the Swarm]] (in English). 1998.</ref>
[[File:Char SC1 Art1.jpg|thumb|Kerrigan's stronghold]]
Kerrigan coerced Zeratul and the Nerazim into killing the second Overmind on Char by taking Raszagal hostage.<ref>'''Zeratul:''' "Kerrigan, this is Zeratul. I demand to know why you've taken our Matriarch."<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "Actually, Zeratul, she's not the one I'm truly interested in. I stole her to get to you. You see, I need you and your brethren to kill the Overmind for me. The only way I had of assuring your cooperation was to take away that which you value most. However, I give you my word that once you've killed the Overmind, I'll allow her to return to you."<br>'''Zeratul:''' "As if your word held any value..."<br>'''Raszagal:''' "Zeratul, my faithful servant. You must aid Kerrigan in this endeavor. The Overmind is our common enemy. It must be destroyed to insure that our people will survive!"<br>'''Zeratul:''' "You ask me to aid this vile creature?"<br>'''Raszagal:''' "I do not ask this for myself. Nor do I ask it on Kerrigan's behalf. I ask you to do this for our people, Zeratul. Obey me as you always have... Trust in my judgement."<br>'''Zeratul:''' "Very well, Matriarch. The Overmind will die this day." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[To Slay the Beast]] (in English). 1998.</ref> With the Overmind and its supporting cerebrates dead, Kerrigan gained control of the zerg in the Koprulu sector.<ref>'''Duran:''' "My Queen, with the Overmind and its Cerebrates destroyed, all of the Zerg in [[Koprulu sector|this sector]] have reverted to your direct control." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[StarCraft Episode VI#The Reckoning|The Reckoning]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Zeratul discovered Raszagal was enthralled to Kerrigan;<ref>'''Zeratul:''' "It's done, Kerrigan. The Overmind is dead as you wished. Now I demand that you release the Matriarch at once!"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "Of course. Raszagal, do you wish to return to your tribe?"<br>'''Raszagal:''' "No, my Queen. I wish only to serve you and remain at your side."<br>'''Zeratul:''' "What treachery is this, Kerrigan? This pathetic creature cannot possibly be Raszagal!"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "Ha ha ha. I promised that I'd allow her to return to you, Zeratul. But it looks to me like she doesn't want to go."<br>'''Zeratul:''' "You have corrupted her! Somehow you have poisoned her thoughts. Restore her to her rightful self, or you will pay dearly for this offense, Kerrigan!"<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "All right, Zeratul, you've got me. I made your Matriarch my slave long before I joined you on Shakuras. She made the mistake of underestimating my power just like everyone else did." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[To Slay the Beast]] (in English). 1998.</ref> the zerg blocked the protoss' escape with the matriarch, and Zeratul slew Raszagal rather than allow her continued enslavement.<ref>'''Zeratul:''' "Damn you, Kerrigan, for what I must do!"<br>'''Raszagal:''' "Thank you, Zeratul... You have freed me from her vile control at last. You have always served me with honor... Thus I must ask you... to watch over my tribe... Into your hands I give the future."<br>'''Kerrigan:''' "I can hardly believe this! You've killed your own Matriarch!"<br>'''Zeratul:''' "Better that I killed her, than let her live as your slave, Kerrigan." ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[StarCraft Episode VI#The Reckoning|The Reckoning]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Zeratul's force was subsequently scattered.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M9" /> Afterwards, Duran abandoned the Swarm<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M10">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Mission: [[Omega]] (in English). 1998.</ref> and his infected terran guise to return to his true work, the creation of [[hybrid]]. Kerrigan's assimilation into the Swarm had been a boon to this effort.<ref name="SC:BW_Bonus" />

The Dominion, protoss, and UED struck at Char with unexpected alacrity before the zerg could consolidate. The zerg held and the all assailants were forced to retreat.<ref name="SC:BW_E6_M10" /> The Swarm were secure, and Kerrigan emerged as the Sector's dominant power.<ref name="SSF6">Blizzard Entertainment Staff. 2010-07-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/story-so-far/6 The Story So Far: The Brood War]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2013-03-15.</ref> After the destruction of the fleeing UED fleet by the Swarm, the belligerents were finally exhausted and an uneasy peace fell over the sector.<ref name="SC:BW_CineEpi">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft: Brood War]]''. Vivendi Games. Cinematic: [[StarCraft Episode VI#Epilogue|Epilogue]] (in English). 1998.</ref> The zerg withdrew from the frontlines,<ref name="SC2:CinematicStarCraft">Brooks, Robert. ''[[The Cinematic Art of StarCraft]]'' (hardcover). Blizzard Entertainment, October 18, 2018.</ref> but retained worlds they had infested.<ref name="KSSChar" />

==Interbellum==
{{quote2|We are the Swarm. But we are becoming much, much more, for the final metamorphosis has only just... begun.|Zerg trailer|http://www.starcraft2.com/movies.xml#m6}}
[[File:Zerg SC2 Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|The Swarm after the Brood War]]

===An Uneasy Peace===
Intermittent fighting continued between the end of the Brood War and the start of the [[Second Great War]] even as the powers withdrew to recover. The Swarm refrained from overt hostilities against the terrans and protoss,<ref name="LoreVid">Metzen, Chris; [[Andy Chambers|Chambers, Andy]]; StarCraft Legacy staff. 2009-04-03. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/22-bc07/288-blizzcon-2007-starcraft-lore-panel BlizzCon 2007 StarCraft Lore Panel Editorial]. ''StarCraft Legacy''. Accessed 2009-05-18.</ref><ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2">Golden, Christie (November 27, 2007). ''[[StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga: Shadow Hunters|StarCraft: The Dark Templar Saga #2: Shadow Hunters]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). ISBN 978-0-7434-7126-8.</ref> and engaged only in occasional skirmishes.<ref>2009-08-20, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrZ7ETUvzb8&feature=fvw Starcraft II Story & Characters Interview]. ''YouTube'', accessed on 2009-09-08</ref> The Swarm destroyed all expeditions to its worlds.<ref name="SSF6" /> [[UNN]] and other terran news services that covered general threats did not report on the zerg during this time,<ref name="LegacyInterviewJuly">Chris Metzen, StarCraft Legacy staff. 2009-07-20 [http://sclegacy.com/interviews/10-blizzard/470-july-20-2009-metzen-interview July 20, 2009 Metzen Interview]. ''StarCraft Legacy''. Accessed 2009-09-07.</ref> and observers could only speculate on the Swarm's restraint.<ref name="SSF6" /> Of the few that entered zerg space and returned, trying to gauge Kerrigan's goals, they ended up with more questions than answers..<ref name="SC2:CinematicStarCraft" /> At some point, Jim Raynor attempted an attack on Kerrigan, trying to make good on his vow to see her dead during the Brood War. However, this attack failed.<ref name="SC2:LotV_TheStorySoFar">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). Cinematic: ''StarCraft II: The Story So Far'' (in English). 2015-10-27.</ref>

The Swarm sought out new worlds and species to infest<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /> and used [[Starry Lace|spies]] to collect [[xel'naga]] [[alien artifact|artifacts]].<ref name="SC:FrntLn_V3_Call">Randolph, Grace (w), Seung-hui Kye (p, i). "[[StarCraft: Frontline: Last Call|Last Call]]." In ''[[StarCraft: Frontline: Volume 3]]'' (paperback binding), pp. 90-131. [[Tokyopop]], July 14, 2009. ISBN 978-1427-80832-5.</ref> In [[2502]], the Swarm were estimated to have infested over a hundred worlds.<ref name="SC:C:Issue3">Furman, Simon (w), Federico Dallocchio (p, i). "[[StarCraft: Issue 3|StarCraft #3]]" ''[[StarCraft (comic)|StarCraft]]'' '''1''' (3) (August 19, 2009) [[DC Comics]] ([[Wildstorm]]).</ref> In [[2503]]<ref name="HDTimeline">April 6, 2010. "Timeline". ''[[StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). pp. 311 - 323. ISBN 978-1416-55084-6.</ref>, the Swarm attempted to capture archeologist [[Jake Ramsey]] while he carried the consciousness of the protoss [[preserver]] [[Zamara]]. Ramsey and Zamara also interested the other powers and the resulting clash allowed them to escape the Swarm.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /><ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" />

New strains were created. The [[baneling]] was bred from the attack on the terran colony on [[Siege of Cask|Sorona]].<ref name="SC:Broken">Dayton, Cameron. "[[Broken Wide]]." (March 5, 2010). Blizzard Entertainment. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/lore/short-stories/broken-wide/1 Broken Wide] Accessed 2010-03-05.</ref> In accordance to Kerrigan's vision for the Swarm, the cerebrates were destroyed<ref name="LoreVid" /> and replaced with [[broodmother]]s. The broodmothers were made to evolve their broods <ref name="LegacyHotSPreview">StarCraft Legacy staff. 2011-05-30. [http://sclegacy.com/feature/3-events/1016-may-2011-hots-gameplay-info May 2011 HoTS Gameplay Info]. ''StarCraft Legacy''. Accessed 2011-05-31.</ref> and respect only strength; these qualities exacerbated the fragmentation of the Swarm during the Second Great War.<ref name="SC2:HotS_Domination">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Domination (mission)|Domination]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

===Renegades and the Feral===
The [[New Swarm]] was created by cerebrate [[Kaloth]] as an experiment in human-zerg hybrid leaders.<ref name="LoreVid" /> Kaloth resurrected and infested [[Alexei Stukov]], who led the New Swarm as a conglomerate of zerg and renegade terrans on [[Braxis]]. The New Swarm did not last long. It dissolved when Stukov was temporarily<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Phantoms of the Void]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> deinfested by a protoss [[anti-zerg nanites|nanite serum]] delivered by Jim Raynor.<ref name="Map_ResIV">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft 64]]''. Nintendo of America, Inc. Mission: [[Resurrection IV]] (in English). 2000-06-12.</ref> Stukov was given to the [[Moebius Foundation]] so they could study the nanites. When the nanites failed and his infestation returned he was experimented upon.<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid" /> He was imprisoned at the [[Terran Dominion]]'s [[Skygeirr Station]], where [[Emil Narud]], a servant of [[Amon]] working to resurrect his master, created [[hybrid]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_Infested">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Heart of the Swarm]]'', [[Infested (Heart of the Swarm mission)|Infested]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

The zerg on [[Aiur]] remained part of the Swarm<ref name="KSSAiur">Blizzard Entertainment. 2010-07-24. [http://us.battle.net/sc2/en/game/planet/aiur Koprulu Sector Systems: Aiur]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2010-07-24.</ref> but they escaped strong control. From the chaos of the first Overmind's death, these zerg had regained some intelligence, but were still less vicious and focused and they did not reproduce.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /> This hampered Swarm operations on Aiur.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga3" />

===The Prophecy===
{{Quote|Do you hear them [[Zeratul]]? Whispering from the stars? The galaxy will burn with their coming.|[[Sarah Kerrigan]] describes the coming threat.|The Prophecy (cinematic)}}
[[File:InfestedKerrigan_SC2_DevCine2.jpg|thumb|Kerrigan on [[Ulaan]]]]
At the end of the {{link|Brood War|conflict}}, Kerrigan already had forebodings for the future.<ref>And alone, floating on a dark platform above the burnt-out planet of [[Char]], Sarah Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades, sat and lorded over the ravenous Swarms. Unable to shake the feeling that a great threat loomed just over the horizon, Kerrigan could only stare off into the vastness of space where she beheld a great void. Or perhaps a reflection of a hollow victory and of the trials yet to come... ''StarCraft: Brood War''. Vivendi Games. Level/area: [[StarCraft_Episode_VI#Epilogue|Epilogue]] (in English). 1998.</ref> Narud would later claim Amon "told" her these [[Armageddon|portants of doom]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineShiftPerspect">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Shifting Perspectives]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> In the following years, Kerrigan learned something of Duran's activities.<ref name="LegacyInterviewJuly" /> What she learned of Amon's coming catalysm caused her to lose all hope for the future. Nonetheless, she resolved to fight it and sought out a xel'naga {{link|prophecy|Ulaan}} on [[Ulaan]] for further information. As Kerrigan expected, [[Zeratul]] arrived searching for the same prophecy.<ref name="SC2_CineProphecy">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[The Prophecy (cinematic)|The Prophecy]]. (in English). 2010.</ref> The Nerazim prelate found the prophecy and took it away before Kerrigan could see it.<ref name="WoL_WhispersDoom">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Wings of Liberty]]'', [[Whispers of Doom]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> Zeratul learned through the prophecy that Kerrigan was needed to stop Amon<ref name="WoL_EchoesFuture" />; Zeratul would assist her in the coming conflict.<ref name="SC2_CineZeratulWarn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Zeratul's Warning]]. (in English). 2010.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_WakeAncient" />

In addition to the prophecy, Kerrigan wished to acquire [[Keystone|components for a xel'naga artifact]] which were scattered across the sector.<ref name="WoL_AllIn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Wings of Liberty]], [[All In]] (in English). 2010-07-27.</ref> In [[2503]]<ref name="HDTimeline">April 6, 2010. "Timeline". ''[[StarCraft II: Heaven's Devils]]''. Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star). pp. 311 - 323. ISBN 978-1416-55084-6.</ref> the Swarm was nearly recovered from the Brood War.<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /> The next time the Swarm invaded the Sector in strength, one of its tasks would be to search for and retrieve the components.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Izsha]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_FireSkyDialogue" /> On the eve of the Second Great War, the Swarm had made good past damages; [[Char]] alone was estimated to have over ten billion zerg in 150 primary and 1029 tertiary hive clusters.<ref name="KSSChar" />

==The Second Great War==
{{Quote|I know that it has been years since we've seen any zerg activity in terran space. But I hope you're prepared for the next encounter. The zerg are coming. The zerg are nature in all her fury.|[[Maren Ayers]] warns her Dominion [[Serl Gentry|interrogator]]|Broken Wide}}
{{Main|Second Great War}}
[[File:KerriganZerg SC2-HotS Art1.jpg|thumb|Kerrigan leads the zerg into battle]]

===Race for the Artifact===
Kerrigan had many reasons to unleash the Swarm on the Sector and starting the war. For the Swarm, there was the search for the xel'naga artifact<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_FireSkyDialogue" /> and the drive to evolve. For herself, there was the desire for action and revenge against Emperor [[Arcturus Mengsk]] of the [[Terran Dominion]]<ref name="SC:DkTempSaga2" /> The Swarm offensive achieved strategic surprise.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNRaynorReturns">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Special Report: UNN newscast after "[[Liberation Day]]." (in English). 2010.</ref>

The zerg advanced on all fronts.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNQueenBlades">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Queen of the Zerg: UNN newscast after "[[Smash and Grab]]." (in English). 2010.</ref> The [[Dominion Armed Forces]] suffered heavy casualties<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNValerianInterview">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. UNN newscast after "[[Whispers of Doom]]." (in English). 2010.</ref> to slow the advance.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNZergSlow">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Zerg: UNN newscast after "[[Supernova]]." (in English). 2010.</ref> A major contributing factor to the Dominion survival was that the Swarm was not immediately concerned with systematically destroying it.<ref name="KindreganQA2">2012-10-15. [http://us.battle.net//sc2/en/blog/7597722 StarCraft II Creative Development Q&A - Part 2]. ''Blizzard Entertainment''. Accessed 2012-10-15.</ref>

While the Swarm conquered worlds,<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNZergWithdraw">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Zerg!: UNN newscast after "[[Gates of Hell]]." (in English). 2010.</ref> it had no success with the xel'naga artifact. In competition with the Swarm, [[Raynor's Raiders]] recovered all the components and delivered them to Crown Prince [[Valerian Mengsk]] of the Terran Dominion.<ref name="SC2_CineHeirApparent">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Supernova#Heir Apparent|Heir Apparent]]. (in English). 2010.</ref> With the components in terran hands, the Swarm slowed its offensive in terran space.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNZergSlow" />

===Fall of the Queen===
{{Main|Battle of Char (Dangerous Game)}}
[[File:BattleChar_SC2-WoL_Story1.jpg|thumb|The Battle of Char]]
Valerian planned to use the [[Keystone|artifact]] to deinfest Kerrigan.<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryValerian">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Valerian Mengsk]] (in English). 2010.</ref><ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryLab">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Lab 01 (Hyperion)|Laboratory]] (in English). 2010.</ref><ref name="SC2-WoL_SupernovaDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty campaign quotations/Artifact Missions#Supernova|Supernova]] (in English). 2010</ref> A joint Terran Dominion and Raynor's Raiders force attacked Char to deliver the artifact in range of Kerrigan.<ref name="SC2_CineDangerGame">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Dangerous Game]]. (in English). 2010.</ref>

Though most if the Swarm was off-world, the remainder was sufficient to win through attrition given time.<ref name="WoL_AllIn" /> Kerrigan recalled the closest broods<ref name="SC2:HotS_FireSkyDialogue" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha" /> invading the Dominion as reinforcement,<ref name="SC2-WoL_StoryUNNZergWithdraw" /> although they would ultimately not arrive in time.<ref name="SC2:HotS_FireSkyDialogue" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha" /> The invasion worked to Kerrigan's advantage; the terrans had literally delivered the complete xel'naga artifact to her.<ref name="WoL_AllIn" />

The terrans compensated for their lack of time and numbers with operational surprise and audacity. The artifact deinfested<ref name="SC2_CineShowdown" /> and removed the last vestiges of Amon's influence from Kerrigan.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryAbathur">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Abathur]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_CrucibleDialogue" /> She was saved from would-be-assassin [[Tychus Findlay]], working for Mengsk, by Raynor. Raynor was motivated by his old feelings for her<ref name="SC2_CineShowdown">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[The Showdown]]. (in English). 2010.</ref> and by Zeratul; after deciphering the prophecy on Ulaan, Zeratul had implored Raynor to ensure Kerrigan's survival.<ref name="SC2_CineZeratulWarn" />

The removal of the Queen of Blades marked the start of another period of disunity within the Swarm. [[Brood]]s scattered over the Sector became independent under their respective [[broodmother]]s.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_HarvestDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after: [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Kaldir Missions#Harvest of Screams|Harvest of Screams]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_DominationDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after: [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Char Missions#Domination|Domination]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> Many weaker broodmothers were displaced from their colonies and perished, while others fled to dormant colonies, and began raising new broods.<ref name="Collections">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. Collections Tab: Skins. October 17, 2016</ref> The fragmentation aided the [[Terran Dominion]]'s zerg-extermination campaign on Char. [[Zagara]], the broodmother, on Char, fought an unsuccessful campaign against them.<ref name="SC2:HotS_FireSky">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: ''[[Heart of the Swarm]]'', [[Fire in the Sky]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

===The Swarm Resurgent===
[[File:AbathurKerriganIzsha SC2-HotS Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|Kerrigan's return to the zerg]]
A deinfested Kerrigan was taken to [[Research Station EB-103]] in the [[Umojan Protectorate]]<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineHopesFear">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Hopes and Fears]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> where she rekindled her personal relationship with Raynor. A Dominion attack forced them to flee and they were separated. Kerrigan escaped<ref name="SC2:HotS_BackSaddle">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Back in the Saddle]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> but Raynor was captured and reportedly executed. This inflamed her desire for revenge against Mengsk. To pursue this she would wield the Swarm.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineTransmission">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Transmission]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

Kerrigan journeyed to her [[Kerrigan's leviathan|leviathan]] to resume control of the Swarm.<ref name="SC2:HotS_LeviathanCutscenes">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cutscenes: [[Kerrigan's leviathan|Leviathan]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> The Swarm's fragmentation made an immediate assault on Korhal impossible. Kerrigan was reunited with broodmother Zagara during the reconquest of Char from the Dominion. Kerrigan had Abathur enhance Zagara's intellect,<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryAbathur" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_DominationDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after: [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Char Missions#Domination|Domination]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> ultimately making the broodmother an adequate replacement leader for the Swarm.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryZagara">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Zagara]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_PlanetfallDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Final Missions#Planetfall|Planetfall]]. (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> This violated a long-standing imperative that prevented competition over the Swarm's leadership; Kerrigan found this acceptable.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryAbathur" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_DominationDialogue" />

[[File:FirstSpawningPool SC2-HotS Art1.jpg|thumb|The [[first spawning pool]]]]
Kerrigan's transformation back into a human-zerg hybrid was pivotal. Driven by the {{link|prophecy|Ulaan}} from [[Ulaan]], Zeratul guided her to Zerus<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Birthworld]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> to be transformed using the [[primal zerg]]-human hybrid; Kerrigan was motivated only by revenge against Mengsk.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryZeratul">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Zeratul]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> Kerrigan emerged from the [[first spawning pool]]<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Reborn]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> more powerful than her old hybrid form and free from Amon's influence.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryAbathur" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_CrucibleDialogue" /> Furthermore, whereas before she could merely "hear" and "control" the Swarm, now she could "feel" and "be" it.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CrucibleDialogue" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryIzsha" /> Her power increased by defeating and absorbing the essences of the other primal pack leaders.<ref name="SC2:HotS_Supreme" /> The Swarm returned to the Koprulu sector with [[Dehaka]] and other primals.<ref name="SC2:HotS_DeathAbove">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Death from Above]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
[[File:NafashBrood SC2-HotS Game1..jpg|thumb|220x220px|Kerrigan locates [[Nafash]]'s brood on [[Kaldir]]]]
On the ice moon of [[Kaldir]], a protoss expedition force killed Broodmother [[Nafash]] when she moved off into the [[Ice Valleys|ice valleys]]. Later on Kerrigan arrived and reawakened [[Nafash Brood|her brood]] and destroyed the expedition, first by [[Harvest of Screams|destroying]] the [[psi-link spire]]s,<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Harvest of Screams]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> and then the [[ark shuttle]]s.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Shoot the Messenger]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

The remaining protoss were unwilling to give up, however, so Kerrigan planted a parasite into the Khalai scientist [[Lassara]] as she was warped aboard the ''[[Daelaam Ark]]''. The parasite evolved to become Broodmother [[Niadra]], who followed Kerrigan's orders and killed every Protoss aboard the ship.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Enemy Within]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

The other broodmothers gradually returned to the Swarm as Kerrigan's psionic powers and list of victories grew; the rejoining broods were sent to cripple the Dominion's war effort.
[[File:MorosHyperionLeviathan SC2-HotS Story1.png|thumb|220x220px|[[Kerrigan's leviathan]] arrives at the ''[[Moros]]'']]
Kerrigan learned Raynor was alive and being held hostage by the Dominion; he would be executed if the Swarm moved on Korhal.<ref name="SC2:HotS_LeviathanCutscenes" /> With the aid of [[Raynor's Raiders]], Kerrigan found and rescued Raynor from the prison ship ''[[Moros]]''.<ref name="SC2:HotS_Conviction">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Conviction]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

The Swarm found new purpose at [[Skygeirr Station]], home of the Dominion's [[hybrid]] production program led by Doctor [[Emil Narud]]. The Swarm found the secret installation with the aid of infested Stukov and destroyed it.<ref name="SC2:HotS_PhantomsVoid" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_Infested" /><ref name="SC2:HotS_HandDarkness">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Hand of Darkness]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> Kerrigan killed Narud and learned of Amon's resurrection.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineShiftPerspect" /> Kerrigan recognized the extreme danger posed by Amon; the Swarm would seek out and fight Amon, although she regarded this as a hopeless battle.<ref name="SC2:HotS_StoryStukov">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. [[Alexei Stukov]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref><ref name="SC2:HotS_DeathAboveDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Final Missions#Death from Above|Death from Above]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>
{{main|Battle of Korhal (Planetfall)}}
[[File:MutaliskBattlecruiser SC2-HotS Art1.jpg|thumb|The invasion of [[Korhal]]]]
The Swarm converged on Korhal. Valerian agreed to Kerrigan's bid to kill Mengsk.<ref name="SC2:HotS_ConvictionDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Space Missions#Conviction|Conviction]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> In turn, she endored Valerian as his father's successor and agreed to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties. Dominion fleets deployed outside the system responded quickly and were engaged by the Swarm's contravallation.<ref name="SC2:HotS_PlanetfallDialogue">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Conversations after [[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm campaign quotations/Final Missions#Planetfall|Planetfall]]. (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> The Swarm braved ferocious anti-orbital fire to establish a planethold outside of [[Augustgrad]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_Planetfall">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[Planetfall]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> The city was protected by the [[Psi Destroyer]], which killed zerg linked to the hivemind; the [[primal zerg]], hitherto unknown to the Dominion and unlinked to the hivemind, were immune to the Destroyer and spearheaded the assault that destroyed it.<ref name="SC2:HotS_DeathAbove" /> The Swarm was joined by Raynor's Raiders as it surged into the city and broke into the [[Korhal Palace]].<ref name="SC2:HotS_Reckoning">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Heart of the Swarm]], [[The Reckoning (Heart of the Swarm mission)|The Reckoning]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref> Kerrigan confronted Mengsk inside. Raynor's intervention prevented the emperor from killing her using the [[Keystone|artifact]], and allowed Kerrigan to kill Mengsk.

The Swarm withdrew from Korhal to wage war against Amon.<ref name="SC2:HotS_CineAscension">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Ascension]] (in English). 2013-03-12.</ref>

==The End War==
{{Main|End War}}
Zerg under Kerrigan's command assaulted a [[Moebius Foundation]] base whose personnel had come under the thrall of hybrids. It was successfully destroyed.<ref name="SC2:LotV:WoO_DarkWhispers">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Whispers of Oblivion]], [[Dark Whispers]] (in English). 2015-07-15.</ref>

Kerrigan then sent her broods to find the xel'naga at [[Ulnar]]. However, she found that the hybrid were already there, and she began engaging in a battle against them that lasted days.<ref name="SC2:LotV:TheInfiniteCycle"/>

On Aiur, the Daelaam launched an assault on the feral zerg on Aiur.<ref name="SC2:LotV:ForAiur!">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[For Aiur!]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> However, the zerg had already come under the control of Amon's hybrid, and they began to use organized tactics against the Daelaam. When Amon corrupted the Khala, the [[Amon Brood]] fought alongside the corrupted protoss and the hybrid in order to push Artanis and his few loyal protoss off the planet.<ref name="SC2:LotV:SpearofAdun">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[The Spear of Adun (mission)|The Spear of Adun]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> The corpse of the dead Overmind was then used by Amon in order to begin construction of a hybrid host body.<ref name="SC2:LotV_Entombed">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Entombed]]. (in English). 2015.</ref>
[[File:ZerglingHydralisk SC2-LotV Cncpt1.jpg|thumb|[[Amon]]'s zerg on [[Shakuras]]]]
The [[Warp gate (xel'naga)|warp gate]] linking Shakuras to Aiur was then reactivated, and Amon's zerg flooded through, swarming the city of [[Talematros]]. Artanis and the Daelaam arrived in time to evacuate the city and clear the launch bays of zerg infestation, but the zerg presence on the planet had already hit critical levels.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Amon'sReach">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Amon's Reach]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> [[Matriarch]] [[Vorazun]] refused to allow her planet fall to the zerg, and ordered the [[xel'naga temple|xel'naga temple's]] phase matrix be overloaded, destroying the planet. Over a billion zerg and hybrid were destroyed in the process.<ref name="SC2:LotV:LastStand">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Last Stand]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref><ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Alone]]. (in English). 2015.</ref>

Artanis arrived at Ulnar using the [[Keystone]] to guide him, and met with Kerrigan.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Unlikely Allies]]. (in English). 2015.</ref> The two attempted to release the xel'naga, but had found that they were already dead.<ref name="SC2:LotV_Entombed" /> Amon then released a void portal in Ulnar and began flooding the area with void energy. Kerrigan used her zerg to take the brunt of the void energy while Artanis closed the void portals. The strategy was successful, but Kerrigan's broods were devastated.<ref name="SC2:LotV:HarbingerofOblivion">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Harbinger of Oblivion]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>

On [[Endion]], Amon sent his broods to infest the moon. The Daelaam arrived in order to reactivate the [[Purifier]]s on the station orbiting the moon, and fought through the hives on the moon in order to deactivate the stasis locks shielding the warship ''[[Cybros]]''.<ref name="SC2:LotV:UnsealingthePast">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Unsealing the Past]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>  The plan was successful, but Amon's zerg swarmed the platform with the help of hybrid. The Daelaam activated the Purifiers, who purged the platform, then fired a purification beam on Endion, destroying all zerg on the planet.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Purification">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Purification (mission)|Purification]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> 

When the Daelaam returned to Aiur, Amon used his broods as his first line of defense. The zerg defended the first [[khaydarin crystal]] powering the [[psionic matrix]] in [[Antioch]], and hives defended the third crystal in the [[xel'naga caverns]] beneath Aiur, but were overcome by the protoss.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Templar'sReturn">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Templar's Return]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> Amon's brood then defended its master's host body when the Daelaam assaulted it, but the [[void shard]]s shielding him were destroyed. While Amon's host body was awakened, it was quickly destroyed by an orbital bombardment.<ref name="SC2:LotV:TheHost">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[The Host]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>  The zerg then swarmed the Daelaam as they set up the [[Keystone]], and were supported by the corrupted [[Golden Armada]]. This was not enough to destroy the Keystone in time, and the zerg on Aiur were severed from Amon's control.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Salvation">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Legacy of the Void]], [[Salvation]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>

==Into the Void==
[[File:SpearBCLeviathian SC2-Lotv-Screenshot.jpg|thumb|220x220px|Leviathans entering the Void]]
On Ulnar, Kerrigan called to Raynor and Artanis, telling them of the benevolent voice in the Void calling to her, and that Amon still existed in the Void. The three agreed to destroy Amon, and used Ulnar's void portal to gain access into the Void.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[An Unexpected Meeting]]. (in English). 2015.</ref> Kerrigan and Stukov lead the zerg to free what they thought was Tassadar's spirit from Narud, and broke through his lines of [[shadows of the Void]] to get to him. Stukov slew him, getting revenge for the years of torture inflicted on him.<ref name="SC2:LotV:IntotheVoid">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Into the Void (campaign)|Into the Void]], [[Into the Void (mission)|Into the Void]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref> Tassadar's spirit revealed itself to be the xel'naga [[Ouros]], who needed to ascend Kerrigan into a xel'naga in order to complete the [[Infinite Cycle]] and give the universe a chance at destroying Amon.<ref>Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Last Shepard of the Cycle]]. (in English). 2015.</ref>
[[File:Void KerriganArtanisRaynor-SC2-LotV Loading.jpg|thumb|225x225px|Artanis, Raynor, and Kerrigan looking out into the Void]]
Kerrigan began channeling Ouros's essence, but Amon began sending forces to stop the process. Zagara lead the zerg to defend the eastern approach, and was aided by Jim Raynor and Artanis. The defense was successful, and Kerrigan ascended into a xel'naga. She put Zagara in charge of the zerg Swarm, and told her to remember the lessons she had taught her. Kerrigan then took the swarm for the final confrontation against Amon.<ref name="SC2:LotV:TheEssenceofEternity">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Into the Void (campaign)|Into the Void]], [[The Essence of Eternity]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>

Kerrigan lead the swarm to destroy the [[Void crystal (Amon's Fall)|void crystals]] defending Amon, and was supported by Jim Raynor and Artanis. With the combined force, the void crystals were destroyed, and Kerrigan delivered the killing blow to Amon.<ref name="SC2:LotV:Amon'sFall">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]]''. (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Into the Void (campaign)|Into the Void]], [[Amon's Fall]] (in English). 2015-11-10.</ref>

==A New Queen==
[[File:Zagara SC2-LotV Art1.jpg|thumb|[[Broodmother]] [[Zagara]]]]
Upon returning to the Koprulu sector, Zagara took control over the Zerg Swarm. By [[2508]], she had seized control of Char and the worlds surrounding it.<ref name="SC2:LotV_Homecoming">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Cinematic: [[Homecoming (cinematic)|Homecoming]]. (in English). 2015.</ref> Before she left, Kerrigan granted Zagara two gifts, one was the gift for her to choose the path the Swarm would take, the other was the location of a creature that could house xel'naga essence. Zagara took what essence she could from the xel'naga in [[Ulnar]], and put [[Abathur]] to work on constructing creatures that could mix zerg and xel'naga essence.<ref name="SC:Evolution">Zahn, Timothy (November 8, 2016). ''[[StarCraft: Evolution]]''. Del Rey Books. ISBN 0425284735.</ref>
[[File:TyradorIX SC2NCOGame.jpg|thumb|left|[[Feral zerg]] attack [[Tyrador IX]]]]
Years later, feral zerg attacks began to hit [[Antiga Prime]] and [[Bountiful]], drawn by psi-emitters placed by a separatist militia known [[Defenders of Man]].<ref name="NCO_Flashpoint">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Nova Covert Ops]], [[Flashpoint (mission)|Flashpoint]] (in English). 2016-08-02.</ref>  While Dominion forces were slow to respond, the Defenders of Man successfully evacuated these colonies, claiming the Dominion was too slow and weak in the face of the alien threat.<ref name="LockwellTwitter">[https://twitter.com/UNNKateLockwell Kate Lockwell Twitter]. ''Kate Lockwell's Twitter'', accessed on 2016-03-22</ref> Meanwhile, the Dominion investigated the incidents, discovering the Defender's goals, but not before they released the zerg on [[Borea]] and [[Tyrador IX]], leading to massive loss of life. The Defenders and Dominion were able to repel the feral zerg.<ref name="NCO_TroubleParadise">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Nova Covert Ops]], [[Trouble in Paradise]] (in English). 2016-08-02.</ref> 

The zerg also overran the colony of [[Jarban Minor]], killing many of the [[Umojan Protectorate]] researchers and [[infestation|infesting]] many more. The remaining survivors were rescued by Agent [[Nova Terra]].<ref name="NCO NightTerrors">Blizzard Entertainment. ''[[StarCraft II]].'' (Activision Blizzard). PC. Mission: [[Nova Covert Ops]], [[Night Terrors]] (in English). 2016-08-02.</ref>

==The One-Day War==
By [[2511]], Zagara's work on a new xel'naga-based species mixing was reaching fruition. Abathur created a creature known as the [[adostra]], which were stored in sacs, but could generate life passively around them as the xel'naga once did. Zagara then moved on the [[purified]] world of [[Gystt]], and used the adostra to regenerate the planet. However, the idea of a creature of equal parts zerg and another being infuriated Abathur, as his directive was to always have the zerg be dominant. Abathur also saw Zagara's more peaceful swarm as an affront to everything the Swarm stood for: to assimilate all life and bring it into the Swarm.

Thus Abathur hatched a plot to destroy the adostra and spark war between the three races. He stole some of the xel'naga essence and created the [[chitha]], who followed his commands. These creatures could disrupt psionics and communications, as well as command zerg broods. He then modified a [[queen (StarCraft II)|queen]] named [[Mukav]] to aid him in his scheme. Abathur's plan was to have the Dominion and Daelaam destroy the adostra, wiping out what he saw as an abomination while triggering a war between the sector's powers.

The Daelaam moved to Gystt, intending to purify the planet, and Zagara sent Mukav to contact Emperor Valerian Mengsk. The Emperor arrived, and Zagara extended a hand of peace. The two parties were skeptical however, and agreed on the condition they could send a survey team down to investigate if Zagara's motions for peace were genuine. The peace talks began to go smoothly, until Abathur lured the survey team into an adostra nest, and began sending the chitha at them. Though they defeated the chitha, they were convinced the adostra had some connection, and destroyed one of the nests.

This began the [[One-Day War]], where chitha and chitha controlled broods fought against the Dominion and Daelaam. Abathur denied the existence of the chitha, and Zagara attempted to figure out what was causing the conflict. She discovered the corpse of a chitha, and sent it to the ''[[Hyperion]]'' via a [[devourer]]. Though the second adostra nest was destroyed, the combined efforts of the Daelaam and Dominion prevented the destruction of the third and final one. The three factions found Abathur aboard Zagara's [[leviathan]], and were able to expose his plot. The chitha were destroyed, and Abathur was subdued by Zagara, but not killed.

With the conflict avoided, the zerg began peace talks with the Dominion and Daelaam, and began discussions as to how best to utilize the adostra to rebuild their shattered worlds.<ref name="SC:Evolution" />

==Peace Tensions==
[[File:Niadra ShadowWars Comic1.jpg|thumb|left|Niadra and her brood on Adena]]
Broodmother [[Niadra]], however, still maintained her purpose to kill all protoss, despite having never heard Kerrigan's voice again, and moved to the world of [[Adena]] to lay a trap for [[terran]]s she could use to expand her broods. She came across a [[Terran Dominion]] renegade salvage group, who she unleashed her zerg on.

[[File:NiadraBrood SC-ShadowWars Comic1.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Niadra's brood in action]]
Niadra injected the squad's commander with a larva, and she got into a dropship and left. Meanwhile, she turned her attention to the terran mercenary [[Elms]] and her squad, where she recognized Elms as psionic. Elms meanwhile sensed that the zerg were about to come and attack them.<ref name="SC:ShadowWars_2">Watrous, Valerie (w), Manuel, Garcia (i) and Sandra Molina (c). (July 19th, 2017). ''[[StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 2]].'' Blizzard Entertainment. [https://comic.starcraft2.com/en-us/shadow-wars-part-2 StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 2] Accessed 2017-07-19.</ref>

[[File:ZagaraGystt Comic1.PNG|thumb|Zagara ponders about Niadra's appearance]]
The brood was then assaulted by protoss under Admiral [[Urun]], who allied with the terrans in an attempt to save them. After an ambush against the terrans failed, Urun personally faced down Niadra, and she slew him. However, Elms was able to escape the planet in a dropship, and when Niadra attempted to psionically assault the terran her squadmate [[Yong]] knocked her out. This left Niadra to plot a new plan to end the protoss. Meanwhile, on Gystt, Zagara sensed the rise of Niadra, and pondered what it would mean for the sector at large.<ref name="SC:ShadowWars_6">Watrous, Valerie (w), Sepulveda, Miguel (i) and Javir Mena (c). (February 3rd, 2018). ''[[StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 6]].'' Blizzard Entertainment. [https://comic.starcraft2.com/en-gb/shadow-wars-part-6 StarCraft II: Shadow Wars: Part 6] Accessed 2018-02-03.</ref>

Meanwhile, other queens on the fringes of zerg space provoked conflict with terrans situated there, resulting in skirmishes such as the [[Battle of Camp Pitcairn]] on [[Cavir]]. However, the two factions still maintained their peace treaty.<ref name = "SCS:Issue4">Robinson, Andrew (w), Sepulveda, Miguel (p, i). "[[StarCraft: Soldiers: Issue 4]]" ''[[StarCraft: Soldiers]]'' '''4''' (7) (April 24th, 2019) Dark Horse Comics.</ref> 
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==References==
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[[Category:Zerg]]
[[Category:Storyline]]